System in an electronic spreadsheet for persistently self-replicating multiple ranges of cells through a copy-paste operation and a self-replication table

ABSTRACT

The present invention includes a method and system for persistently self-replicating multiple ranges of cells through a copy-paste operation, in a multi dimensional spreadsheet. A set of ranges of cells is defined, wherein each range of cells has the same size. Each time the content of a range of cells belonging to this set is changed, a self-replication operation is performed automatically. The self-replication operation includes the steps of copying the changed range of cells onto a buffer; determining the set of ranges of cells to which the changed range of cells belongs to; identifying the ranges of cells belonging to the set; and pasting the content of the buffer in each of identified range of cells belonging to the set.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/887,602,filed Jun. 22, 2001, which claims priority of application serial no.EP480096.7, filed Oct. 24, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of information processing bydigital computers, and more particularly to a method and system, in anelectronic spreadsheet, for persistently self-replicating multipleranges of cells through a copy-paste operation.

BACKGROUND

Before computers, numerical analyses, particularly financial ones, wereusually prepared on an accountant's columnar pad or spreadsheet, withpencil and calculator in hand. By organizing data into columns and rows,spreadsheets afford the rapid assimilation of information by a reader.The task of preparing a spreadsheet on paper, however, is laborious. Theprocess tends to be very slow, as each entry must be tediouslycalculated and entered into the spreadsheet. Since all calculations arethe responsibility of the preparer, manually prepared spreadsheets arealso prone to errors. Hence, preparation of spreadsheets by hand isslow, tedious, and unreliable.

With the advent of microcomputers, a solution was forthcoming in theform of “electronic spreadsheets.” Better known simply as“spreadsheets,” these software programs provide a computerisedreplacement for the traditional financial modelling tools: theaccountant's columnar pad, pencil, and calculator. In some regards,spreadsheet programs are to those tools what word processors are totypewriters. Spreadsheets offer dramatic improvements in ease ofcreating, editing, and using financial models.

A typical spreadsheet program configures the memory of a computer toresemble the column/row or grid format of an accountant's columnar pad,thus providing a visible calculator for a user. Because this “pad”exists dynamically in the computer's memory, however, it differs frompaper pads in several important ways. Locations in the electronicspreadsheet, for example, must be communicated to the computer in aformat which it can understand. A common scheme for accomplishing thisis to assign a number to each row in a spreadsheet, a letter to eachcolumn, and another letter to each sheet (or page) of the spreadsheet.To reference a location at column A and row 1 of the second page (i.e.,the upper-left hand corner), for example, the user types in “B:A1”. Inthis manner, the spreadsheet defines an addressable storage location or“cell” at each intersection of a row with a column within a given page.

Data entry into an electronic spreadsheet occurs in much the same mannerthat information would be entered on an accountant's pad. After a screencursor is positioned at a desired location, the user can enteralphanumeric information. Besides holding text and numeric information,however, spreadsheet cells can store special instructions or “formulas”specifying calculations to be performed on the numbers stored inspreadsheet cells. Such spreadsheet cells can also be defined and namedas a range as long as they are arranged as a contiguous set of cells. Atypical example of such a named range simply corresponds to a regulartable found in an accountant's pad. In this fashion, range names canserve as variables in an equation, thereby allowing precise mathematicalrelationships to be defined between cells. The structure and operationof a spreadsheet program, including advanced functions such as functionsand macros, are documented in the technical, trade, and patentliterature.

Electronic spreadsheets offer many advantages over their papercounterparts. For one, electronic spreadsheets are much larger (i.e.,hold more information) than their paper counterparts; electronicspreadsheets having thousands or even millions of cells are notuncommon. Spreadsheet programs also allow users to perform “what-if”scenarios. After a set of computational relationships has been enteredinto a worksheet, thanks to imbedded formulas for instance, the spreadof information can be recalculated using different sets of assumptions,with the results of each recalculation appearing almost instantaneously.Performing this operation manually, with paper and pencil, would requirerecalculating every relationship in the model with each change made.Thus, electronic spreadsheet systems were invented to solve “what-if”problems, that is, changing an input and seeing what happens to anoutput.

Cell ranges are used to automate the computations in a spreadsheet.Whether cells or cell ranges are named or not, they can be referencedwithin a formula either by a “relative” or an “absolute” reference. Sucha reference can be the address of the referenced cell range, or the nameof the referenced cell range if it turns that this cell range is named.

It is common to find in electronic spreadsheet based applications somelarge tables which are organised according to a structured way. Thisstructure typically results in organising rows, columns and sheets insuch a way that the content of each of the cells within a given columnand within a given sheet can be obtained as the result of a copy-pasteoperation where the source copied cell is any cell within this samecolumn and same sheet. In such typical situations, this source cell cancontain a formula referencing in a relative or absolute way one orseveral other cells, so that each of the other cells within the samecolumn of the same sheet will also contain the same formula where theabsolute references will be kept unchanged and where the relativereferences will point to other relative cells.

Such a typical situation is illustrated in FIG. 3A where a table is usedto compute a sales item price according to some input data. In thistable, the content of the cell with address C6 (column entitled “UnitCost”) is for instance equal to the formula “@CostOf(B6)” where @CostOfis a dedicated function providing the cost of an item passed asparameter. In the same table, the content of the cell with address G6(column entitled “Exchange rate”) is for instance equal to the formula“@RateOf(F6)” where @RateOf is a dedicated function returning theexchange rate for a currency passed as parameter. In the same table, thecontent of the cell with address I6 (column entitled “Price”) is forinstance equal to the formula “C6*D6*G6/(1−$PROFIT)” where “PROFIT” isthe name given to the cell range with address I3 where the profit figureis recorded. The content of each cell within the “Unit Cost” table canbe obtained by copy-pasting the cell with address C6, so that thecontent of the cell with address Cx (where x takes the values 7 to 10)is found equal to “@CostOf(Bx)”. In this way, each of the cells withaddress C6 to C10 is virtually a “replicate” of all the other cells withaddress C6 to C10 through a copy-paste operation, meaning that any cellwithin this set can be derived from any other one within the same setthrough a copy-paste operation. Similarly, the content of the cells withaddress Gx and with address Ix are obtained by copy-pasting the contentof the cells with address G6 and with address I6, respectively. Thecontent is equal to “@RateOf(Fx)” and to “Cx*Dx*Gx/(1−$PROFIT)”respectively. Thus, the cells with address G6 to G10 and the cells withaddress I6 to I10 are virtually “self replicating” through a copy-pasteoperation. The copy-paste operation is thus a powerful tool for applyingin many different cells, or ranges of cells, the content of a given cellor of a given range of cells. Nevertheless this copy-paste operationpresents some limitations, as outlined hereafter.

Assume that in our example the content of the cells within a tablecolumn needs to be updated to reflect some structural change of thetable it belongs to. Such a structural change is illustrated in FIG. 3Bwhere the profit parameter (used to derive a price from a cost) is nolonger constant for all sold items (as shown in FIG. 3A with the cell ofaddress I3, and named “PROFIT”), but depends on the sold item itself, asrepresented in the table by the cells within the column entitled“Profit”. Under this new rule, the content of the cell with address I6(within the column entitled “Price”) is now equal to the formula“C6*D6*G6/(1−H6)”. In order to reflect this table structural update inthe other cells of the same “Price” column, it is necessary to reapplythe copy-paste operation from the top column cell to all the othercolumn cells following the same logic, that is the cells with address I7to I10 as shown in FIG. 3B. More generally, this operation must becarefully done each time a given range of cells content is updated andmust be applied to all the other ranges of cells which have beeninitially self replicated with this given range of cells through acopy-paste operation.

With large and complex spreadsheets, such a task may take quite a longtime and be error prone, because the spreadsheet user may miss some ofthe ranges of cells where the copy-paste operation must be reapplied.When this happens, the resulting spreadsheet provides erroneous results.The present invention offer a powerful and efficient solution to thisproblem by defining a method and a system for persistentlyself-replicating multiple ranges of cells through a copy-pasteoperation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of information processing bydigital computers, and more particularly to a method and system forpersistently self-replicating multiple ranges of cells through acopy-paste operation, in a multi dimensional spreadsheet. The methodcomprises the steps of:

-   -   defining a set of ranges of cells, each range of cells having        the same size;    -   each time the content of a range of cells belonging to this set        is changed, automatically performing a self-replication        operation, the self-replication operation comprising the steps        of:    -   copying the changed range of cells onto a buffer;    -   determining the set of ranges of cells to which the changed        range of cells belongs to;    -   identifying the ranges of cells belonging to the set; and    -   pasting the content of the buffer in each identified range of        cells belonging to the set.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will best be understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a schematic view of a computer system in which the presentinvention may be embodied.

FIG. 1B is a schematic view a software system including an operatingsystem, software application, and a user interface for carrying out thepresent invention.

FIG. 1C illustrates the basic architecture and functionality of agraphical user interface in which the present invention may be embodied.

FIG. 2A shows a spreadsheet notebook interface according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B shows the toolbar component of the notebook interface shown inFIG. 2A.

FIGS. 2C and 2D show page identifiers for rapidly accessing andmanipulating individual pages of the notebook interface shown in FIG.2A.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a typical spreadsheet structure used in apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the structure of the persistent self-replicationtable, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, illustrate a spreadsheet user interface for invoking thepersistent self-replicating operation, according to the presentinvention.

FIGS. 6A, 6B are a flow chart illustrating a method for managing objectsinvolved in Persistent Self-Replication operations, according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method for performing a persistentcopy-paste operation, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION System Hardware

As shown in FIG. 1A, the present invention may be embodied on a computersystem 100 comprising a central processor 101, a main memory 102, aninput/output controller 103, a keyboard 104, a pointing device 105(e.g., mouse, track ball, pen device, or the like), a display device106, and a mass storage 107 (e.g., hard disk). Additional input/outputdevices, such as a printing device 108, may be included in the system100 as desired. As illustrated, the various components of the system 100communicate through a system bus 110 or similar architecture. In apreferred embodiment, the computer system 100 includes an IBM-compatiblepersonal computer, which is available from several vendors (includingInternational Business Machine—IBM Corporation of Armonk, N.Y.).

Illustrated in FIG. 1B, a computer software system 150 is provided fordirecting the operation of the computer system 100. Software system 150,which is stored in system memory 102 and on disk memory 107, includes akernel or operating system 151 and a shell or interface 153. One or moreapplication programs, such as application software 152, may be “loaded’(i.e., transferred from storage 107 into memory 102) for execution bythe system 100. The system 100 receives user commands and data throughuser interface 153; these inputs may then be acted upon by the system100 in accordance with instructions from operating system 151 and/orapplication software 152. The interface 153, which is preferably agraphical user interface (GUI), also serves to display results,whereupon the user may supply additional inputs or terminate thesession. In a preferred embodiment, operating system 151 and interface153 are Microsoft Win95, available from Microsoft Corporation ofRedmond, Wash. Application software 152, on the other hand, includes aspreadsheet notebook of the present invention as described in furtherdetail herein below.

Interface A. Introduction

The following description will focus on embodiments of the presentinvention that include spreadsheet applications operative in theMicrosoft Win95 environment. The present invention, however, is notlimited to any particular application or any particular environment.Instead, those skilled in the art will find that the system and methodsof the present invention may be advantageously applied to a variety ofsystem and application software, including database management systems,word processors, and the like. Moreover, the present invention may beembodied on a variety of different platforms, including Macintosh, UNIX,NextStep, and the like. Therefore, the descriptions of the exemplaryembodiments which follow are for purposes of illustration and notlimitation.

Referring now to FIG. 1C, the system 100 includes a workspace or window160. Window 160 is a rectangular, graphical user interface (GUI) fordisplay on screen 106; additional windows may be displayed in varioussizes and formats (e.g., tiled or cascaded), as desired. At the top ofwindow 160 is a menu bar 170 with a plurality of user-command choices,each of which may invoke additional submenus and software tools for usewith application objects. Window 160 includes a client area 180 fordisplaying and manipulating screen objects, such as graphic object 181and text object 182. In essence, the client area is a workspace orviewport for the user to interact with data objects which reside withinthe computer system 100.

Window 160 includes a screen cursor or pointer 185 for selecting andotherwise invoking screen objects of interest. In response to usermovement signals from the pointing device 105, the cursor 185 floats(i.e., freely moves) across the screen 106 to a desired screen location.During or after cursor movement, the user may generate user-eventsignals (e.g., mouse button “clicks” and “drags”) for selecting andmanipulating objects, as is known in the art. For example, window 160may be closed, re-sized, or scrolled by “clicking” (selecting) screencomponents 172, 174/5, and 177/8, respectively.

In a preferred embodiment, screen cursor 185 is controlled with a mousedevice. Single-button, double-button, or triple-button mouse devices areavailable from a variety of vendors, including Apple Computer ofCupertino, Calif., Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash., and LogitechCorporation of Fremont, Calif., respectively. More preferably, screencursor control device 105 is a two-button mouse device, including bothright and left “mouse buttons.”

Programming techniques and operations for mouse devices are welldocumented in the programming and hardware literature; see e.g.,Microsoft Mouse Programmer's Reference, Microsoft Press, 1989. Thegeneral construction and operation of a GUI event-driven system, such asMicrosoft Windows, is also known in the art: see, e.g., Petzold, C.,Programming Windows, Second Edition, Microsoft Press, 1990. Thedisclosures of each are hereby incorporated by reference.

B. Preferred Interface

A spreadsheet notebook interface of the present invention will now bedescribed. As shown in FIG. 2A, the spreadsheet notebook or workbook ofthe present invention includes a notebook workspace 200 for receiving,processing, and presenting information, including alphanumeric as wellas graphic information. Notebook workspace 200 includes a menu bar 210,a toolbar 220, a current cell indicator 230, an input line 231, a statusline 240, and a notebook window 250. The menu bar 210 displays andinvokes, in response to user inputs, a main level of user commands. Menu210 also invokes additional pull down menus, as is known in windowingapplications. Input line 231 accepts user commands and information forthe entry and editing of cell contents, which may include data,formulas, macros, and the like. Indicator 230 displays an address forthe current cursor (i.e., active cell) position, or the address or nameof a selected named range (i.e. active selection). At the status line240, system 100 displays information about the current state of theworkbook; for example, a “READY” indicator means that the system isready for the user to select another task to be performed.

The toolbar 220, shown in further detail in FIG. 2B, comprises a row orpalette of tools which provide a quick way for the user to choosecommonly-used menu commands or properties. In an exemplary embodiment,toolbar 220 includes file manipulation buttons 221, printing buttons222, an undo button 223, cut, copy, and paste buttons 224, informationpop-up window buttons tool 225, a named range selection button 226, astyle copy button 227, a column re-sizing button 228, and a sum button229. The functions of these buttons are suggested by their names. Forinstance, buttons 224 cut, copy and paste data and objects to and fromWindows' clipboard. The same actions are also available as correspondingcommands in the Edit menu (available from menu bar 210).

The notebook, which provides an interface for entering and displayinginformation of interest, includes a plurality of spreadsheet pages. Eachpage may include conventional windowing features and operations, such asmoving, re-sizing, and deleting. In a preferred embodiment, the notebookincludes 256 spreadsheet pages, all of which are saved as a single diskfile on the mass storage 107. Workspace 200 may display one or morenotebooks, each sized and positioned (e.g., tiled, overlapping, and thelike) according to user-specified constraints.

Each spreadsheet page of a notebook includes a two-dimensional spread.Page A from the notebook 200, for example, includes a grid in row andcolumn format, such as row 3 and column F. At each row/columnintersection, a box or cell (e.g., cell C4) is provided for entering,processing, and displaying information in a conventional manner. Eachcell is addressable, with a selector being provided for indicating acurrently active cell (i.e., the cell that is currently selected).

As shown in FIGS. 2C-D, individual notebook pages are identified by pageidentifiers 260, preferably located along one edge of a notebook. In apreferred embodiment, each page identifier is in the form of a tabmember (e.g., members 261 a, 262 a, 263 a) situated along a top edge ofthe notebook. Each tab member may include representative indicia, suchas textual or graphic labels, including user selected titlesrepresenting the contents of a corresponding page. In FIG. 2C, the tabmembers 260 are set to their respective default names. For example, thefirst three tab members (members 261 a, 262 a, 263 a) are respectivelyset to A, B, and C. Tab members are typically given descriptive namesprovided by the user, however. As shown in FIG. 2D, for example, thefirst three tab members have now been set to “Contents” (tab member 261b), “Summary” (tab member 262 b), and “Jan” (tab member 263 b). In asimilar manner, the remaining tabs are set to subsequent months of theyear. In this manner, the user associates the page identifiers withfamiliar tabs from an ordinary paper notebook. Thus, the user alreadyknows how to select a page or spread of interest: simply select the tabcorresponding to the page (as one would do when selecting a page from apaper notebook).

In addition to aiding in the selection of an appropriate page ofinformation, the user-customizable page identifiers serve to aid in theentry of spreadsheet named range addresses. For example, when entering aformula referring to a named range of cells on another page, the usermay simply use the descriptive page name in the named range address,thus making it easier for the user to understand the relationship of thecell(s) or information being referenced.

A general description of the features and operation of the spreadsheetnotebook interface may be found in Quattro Pro for Windows (GettingStarted, User's Guide and Building Spreadsheet Applications), availablefrom Borland International.

Persistent Self-Replicating Operation A. Introduction

As the power of spreadsheet environments has increased over the lastseveral years, it is possible today to develop complex customapplications based solely on spreadsheets, as opposed to applicationsdeveloped with general purpose programming languages like C++ orVisualBasic from Microsoft Corporation. This can be achieved usingspreadsheet imbedded tools such as macro languages, script languages,and formulas. In large spreadsheets, it is common to find structuredtables where the content of some cells are directly derived from thecontents of other cells using formulas which translate the relationshipbetween these cells.

Such formulas can be quite complex, consequently it is advantageous tocopy-paste such a formula, once established, from a given cell onto allthe other cells where the same relationship exists. If this relationshipevolves during the life of a spreadsheet, however, then the spreadsheetuser must first update a first cell content (typically rewriting theformula it holds), and then the spreadsheet user must again perform acopy-paste operation between this first cell and all the cells whosecontent was previously obtained from the reference cell content with acopy-paste operation. In addition to the time spent by the user inperforming this operation, there is a risk of applying this newcopy-paste operation to the wrong set of cells: either some cells thatneed to be copy-pasted again may be missed, or some cells may becopy-pasted that should not be. In both cases, the resulting spreadsheethas been incorrectly updated, so that it provides erroneous results.

The present invention offers a user-friendly solution to this problem bydefining a method and system that enables persistent self-replication ofmultiple ranges of cells through a copy-paste operation.

B. Self-Replication Manager

In contrast to the conventional tools just-described, the presentinvention provides a more powerful, user-friendly and interactiveapproach for persistently self-replicating multiple ranges of cellsthrough a copy-paste operation using a Self-Replication manager.

The manager automatically allows the spreadsheet user to:

-   -   create or rename or delete a set of persistently        self-replicating ranges of cells, or    -   add or suppress a given range of cells to or from a set of        persistently self-replicating ranges of cells, and    -   self-replicate any content update from a given range of cells        belonging to a set of persistently self-replicating ranges of        cells to all the other ranges of cells belonging to the same set        of persistently self-replicating ranges of cells.

For descriptive clarity, a persistently self-replicating range of cellswhich can take advantage of the present invention will be called“persistently self-replicating range” or “PSRR”, and a set of PSRR willbe called “persistently self-replicating set” or “PSRS”

C. Persistently Self-Replicating Range and Persistently Self-ReplicatingSet

In a preferred embodiment, PSRR can be easily identified on the displaydevice 106 within the work area 180 of the window 160 by using somespecific cell attributes, such as a font style or font color orbackground color or border line style or border line color or backgroundpattern, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the background pattern of aPSRR is set to a first pattern value referred to as PATTERN_PSRR. PSRSare uniquely identified by a logical identifier which can take multipleforms. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, PSRS areuniquely identified by a name corresponding to a character string oflimited length.

D. Scenario

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may be used in twosteps:

The first step occurs when the spreadsheet user decides, based oncriteria not developed here, to take advantage of the present inventionby using the self-replication manager for either creating, or deleting,or renaming a PSRS; or for either adding or removing a PSRR to/from aPSRS.

If so, the spreadsheet user can follow in sequence the following steps:

-   -   First the spreadsheet user optionally selects a range of cells        by using conventional means such as (but not limited to) the        pointing device 105 or the keyboard 104.    -   Then the spreadsheet user invokes an extension of the regular        spreadsheet editing facilities using conventional means        available in spreadsheet environment, such as (but not limited        to) dedicated push-buttons, keyboard entry short cuts, menu or        sub menu entries. This extension of the regular editing        facilities corresponds to a specific command called        “Self_Replication_Manager”. In a preferred embodiment of the        present invention, this Self_Replication_Manager command is        invoked by clicking with the pointing device 105 on a menu entry        501 “Self Replication” within the conventional “Edit” menu 500        of an electronic spreadsheet, as shown in FIG. 5A. It results in        displaying on the display device 106 a specific Self-Replication        Dialog Box 600, as shown in FIG. 5B.    -   Then the spreadsheet user can take advantage of the different        tools available within the Self-Replication Dialog Box 600,        according to the following list:    -   The “Name” text box 511 and the “Create” push-button 517 can be        used to create a new PSRS. For this purpose the spreadsheet user        first fills this “Name text box 511 with the name of the new        PSRS to be created and then clicks on the “Create” push-button        517. As a result, the newly created PSRS now appears within the        “Existing PSRS” list box 512.    -   The “Existing PSRS” list box 512 and the “Delete” push-button        518 can be used to delete an existing PSRS. For this purpose,        the spreadsheet user first selects within the “Existing PSRS”        list box 512 the name of the PSRS to be deleted (if not visible        within the “Existing PSRS” list box 512, the spreadsheet user        can simply use the scroll bar 523 with the pointing device 105        to let the desired PSRS nam appear within the “Existing PSRS”        list box 512), and then clicks on the “Delete” push-button 518.        As a result, the just deleted PSRS disappears from the “Existing        PSRS” list box 512.    -   The “Name” text box 511, the “Existing PSRS” list box 512 and        the “Rename” push-button 519 can be used to change the name of        an existing PSRS. For this purpose, the spreadsheet user first        selects within the “Existing PSRS” list box 512 the name of the        PSRS to be renamed (if not visible within the “Existing PSRS”        list box 512, the spreadsheet user can simply use the scroll bar        523 with the pointing device 105 to let the desired PSRS name        appear within the “Existing PSRS” list box 512), then fills the        “Name” text box 511 with the new name of the PSRS, and then        clicks on the “Rename” push-button 518. As a result, the new        name of the existing PSRS now appears within the “Existing PSRS”        list box 512.    -   The “Existing PSRR members” list box 513 can be used to        visualize all the PSRRS belonging to the PSRS currently selected        within the “Existing PSRS” list box 512. To do this, the        spreadsheet user first selects within the “Existing PSRS” list        box 512 the name of the PSRS to be visualized (if not visible        within the “Existing PSRS” list box 512, the spreadsheet user        can simply use the scroll bar 523 with the pointing device 105        to let the desired PSRS name appear within the “Existing PSRS”        list box 512), and then clicks on the scroll bar 524 with the        pointing device 105 to display in the “Existing PSRR members”        list box 513 every PSRR belonging to the PSRS selected in the        “Existing PSRS” list box 512.    -   The “Existing PSRR members” list box 513 and the “Suppress”        push-button 521 can be used to remove a given PSRR from the PSRS        currently selected within the “Existing PSRS” list box 512. To        do this, the spreadsheet user first selects within the “Existing        PSRS” list box 512 the name of the PSRS from which one member        must be removed (if not visible within the “Existing PSRS” list        box 512, the spreadsheet user can simply use the scroll bar 523        with the pointing device 105 to let the desired PSRS name appear        within the “Existing PSRS” list box 512). The user then selects        within the “Existing PSRR members” list box 513 the name of the        PSRR to be removed (if not visible within the “Existing PSRR        members” list box 513, the spreadsheet user can simply use the        scroll bar 524 with the pointing device 105 to let the desired        PSRR name appear within the “Existing PSRR members” list box        513), and then clicks on the “Suppress” push-button 521. As a        result, the just deleted PSRR disappears from the “Existing        PSRR” list box 513, and its background pattern is changed from        the value PATTERN_PSRR to its original value (before it was        turned as a PSRR).    -   The “Range” text box 514, the “Select” push-button 522 and the        “Add” push-button 520 can be used to add a new PSRR to the PSRS        currently selected within the “Existing PSRS” list box 512. To        do this, the spreadsheet user first checks that the “Range” text        box 514 holds the address of the range of cells to be added. By        default, the “Range” text box 514 contains the address of the        range of cells which was selected in the electronic spreadsheet        just before invoking the Self_Replication_Manager command. The        user can change this default range by clicking on the “Select”        push-button 522 and then use the pointing device 105 to select        the desired range of cells within the electronic spreadsheet.        When the “Range” text box 514 holds the address of the right        range of cells to be added, the user clicks on the “Add”        push-button 520. As a result, the newly added PSRR now appears        within the “Existing PSRR members” list box 513, and its        background pattern is changed into a new pattern with value        PATTERN_PSRR.    -   The “Cancel” push-button 516 and the “OK” push-button 515 can be        used by the spreadsheet user to close the Self-Replication        Dialog Box 600.    -   The second step occurs when the spreadsheet user updates a cell        belonging to a PSRR which is itself a member of a PSRS:    -   If the spreadsheet user updates the content of a cell belonging        to a PSRR, the self-replication manager invokes by itself a        specific command called “Persistent_Self_Replicate” which        automatically reflects this update in all the other PSRR        belonging to the same PSRS than the updated PSRR. This        “Persistent_Self_Replicate” operation is fully automated,        without involvement of the spreadsheet user, and is itself based        on a copy-paste operation applied by the self-replication        manager between the updated PSRR and all the other PSRR        belonging to the same PSRS.

E. Persistent Self-Replication Table

The decision to create, delete, or rename a PSRS, or to add or suppressa PSRR to or from a PSRS, belongs to the spreadsheet user. When such anoperation occurs, a common repository, called the “PersistentSelf-Replication Table”, is used to record the data required by thisoperation. This Persistent Self-Replication Table is preferably saved ona non volatile memory (typically but not necessary as part of thespreadsheet disk file on the mass storage 107.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the Persistent Self-Replication Table 400corresponds to a simple logical structure made of several records 401,each of which corresponds to a PSRR and includes five fields:

-   -   The “PSRS Name” 402 field is used for identifying uniquely the        PSRS associated with the current record 401.    -   The “PSRR Address” 403 field is used for identifying uniquely        the PSRR within the spreadsheet. For instance, the “PSRR        Address” can correspond to the conventional address structure        Sheet:RowColumn . . . Sheet:RowColumn associated with every        range of cells (For example D:E10 . . . D:G20 with D as Sheet        name, E and G as Row name/number, 10 and 20 as Column        name/number).    -   The “PSRR Pattern” field 404 records the background pattern of        the PSRR, before being member of a PSRS.    -   The “Set Index” field 405 is used for navigating within the        Self-Replication Table 400.    -   The “Range Index” field 406 is used for navigating within the        Self-Replication Table 400.

The record 410 located at the beginning of the PersistentSelf-Replication Table 400 is referred to as the top record.

In a preferred embodiment, the Persistent Self-Replication Table 400 isexplicitly included within the spreadsheet file itself, but otherimplementations can be used instead.

F. Methods F.1 Self_Replication_Manager Method

The method of handling user requests to take advantage of the presentinvention is detailed in flowchart 600 of FIGS. 6A, 6B. This method maybe thought of as the processing of the Self_Replication_Manager commandused for creating, or deleting, or renaming a PSRS, and for adding orsuppressing a PSRR to or from a PSRS. The method comprises the followingsteps:

-   -   At step 601, the method is in its default state, waiting for an        event to initiate the process.    -   At step 602, an event is detected, as a result of a user action.        This action may be for instance, a specific combination of keys        on the keyboard 104, or the click of the pointing device 105 on        a specific button, or any other similar means not further        specified here.    -   At step 603, local variables are initialized: the PSRSindex        variable is set to the value 0, the PSRRindex variable is set to        the value 0, the NewName variable is set to the value “ ” (empty        string), and the NewRange variable is set to the character        string representing the address of the electronic spreadsheet        current selection.    -   At step 604, the Self-Replication Dialog Box 510 is displayed on        the display device 106. The “Name” text box 511 is filled with        the variable NewName. The “Existing PSRS” list box 512 is filled        with the names found in the “PSRS Name” fields 402 of the        various records 401 of the Self-Replicating Table 400. Within        the “Existing PSRS” list box 512, the active item corresponds to        the record 401 whose “Set Index” field 405 is equal to        PSRSIndex. The “Existing PSRR members” list box 513 is filled        with the addresses found in the “PSRR Address” fields 403 of the        various records 401 of the Self-Replicating Table 400 for which        the “Set Index” field 405 is equal to PSRSIndex. Within the        “Existing PSRR members” list box 513, the active item        corresponds to the record 401 whose “Range Index” field 406 is        equal to PSRRIndex. The “Range” text box 514 is filled with the        variable NewRange.    -   At step 605, the method is waiting for any user action on the        Self-Replication Dialog Box 510. Such user action typically        results from a click with the pointing device 105, but may be a        specific combination of keys on the keyboard 104, or any other        similar means not further specified here.    -   At step 606, a user action on the Self-Replication Dialog Box        510 is detected. If the user action is a change of the content        of the “Name” text box 511, then control is given to step 609;        if the user action is a selection with the pointing device 105        of an item within the “Existing PSRS” list box 512, then control        is given to step 622; if the user action is a selection with the        pointing device 105 of an item within the “Existing PSRR        members” list box 513, then control is given to step 621; if the        user action is a change of the content of the “Range” text box        514, then control is given to step 610; if the user action is a        click on the push-button “OK” 515, then control is given to step        607; if the user action is a click on the push-button “Cancel”        516, then control is given to step 607; if the user action is a        click on the push-button “Create” 517, then control is given to        step 627; if the user action is a click on the push-button        “Delete” 518, then control is given to step 626; if the user        action is a click on the push-button “Rename” 519, then control        is given to step 608; if the user action is a click on the        push-button “Add” 520, then control is given to step 624; if the        user action is a click on the push-button “Suppress” 521, then        control is given to step 625; if the user action is a click on        the push-button “Select” 522, then control is given to step 623;        if the user action is a click on the up arrow of the scroll bar        523, then control is given to step 618; if the user action is a        click on the down arrow of the scroll bar 523, then control is        given to step 611; if the user action is a click on the up arrow        of the scroll bar 524, then control is given to step 620; if the        user action is a click on the down arrow of the scroll bar 524,        then control is given to step 612.    -   At step 607, the Self-Replication Dialog Box 510 is closed, so        that it disappears from the display device 106, and control is        given back to the initial step 601 for treating any future        Self_Replication_Manager command.    -   At step 608, in the Self-Replication Table 400, all the records        401 having a “Set Index” field 405 equal to PSRSIndex are        updated by replacing their “PSRS name” field 402 by NewName.        Then control is given to step 631.    -   At step 609, the character string specified by the spreadsheet        user in the “Name” text box 511 is checked against all the        already defined PSRS names, as recorded in the “PSRS Name” field        402 of all the records 401 of the Self-Replication Table 400. If        the character string is new, i.e. it does not match any already        defined name, then control is given to step 616; otherwise        control is given to step 613.    -   At step 610, the character string specified by the spreadsheet        user in the “Range” text box 514 is checked against a set of        rules not detailed here to determine if it is or not a valid        range address. Such rules are typically implementation-dependent        and thus do not fall within the scope of the present invention.        If the result of this checking is that this character string is        found to be valid, then control is given to step 617, otherwise        control is given to step 613.    -   At step 611, the variable PSRSIndex is decremented, unless the        minimum value (equal to zero) has been reached. Then control is        given to step 619.    -   At step 612, the variable PSRRIndex is decremented, unless the        minimum value (equal to zero) has been reached. Then control is        given to step 631.    -   At step 613, an error message notification is issued to warn the        user that the character string checked at step 609 or 610 has        not been found to be correct. This can typically be done by        displaying on the display device 106 an error message in a        pop-up window, but any other similar means could be used        instead, without departing from the spirit of the present        invention.    -   At step 614, the method is waiting for a user acknowledgement,        meaning that the error message notification of step 613 has been        received by the spreadsheet user.    -   At step 615, the user acknowledgement is detected. This may        typically be a click, of the pointing device 105, on an “OK”        push-button within the pop-up window that is typically displayed        during the step 613, but other similar means can be used instead        without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Then        control is given to step 631.    -   At step 616, the value of the variable NewName is set equal to        the character string within the “Name” text box 511. Then        control is given to step 631.    -   At step 617, the value of the variable NewRange is set equal to        the character string within the “Range” text box 514. Then        control is given to step 631.    -   At step 618, the variable PSRSIndex is incremented, unless the        maximum value (equal to the number of different values of the        “PSRS Name” field 401) is already reached.    -   At step 619, the variable PSRRIndex is set equal to zero. Then        control is given to step 631.    -   At step 620, the variable PSRRIndex is incremented, unless the        maximum value (equal to the number of records 401 whose “Set        Index” field 405 is equal to PSRSIndex) has been reached. Then        control is given to step 631.    -   At step 621, the variable PSRRindex is set equal to the value of        the “Range Index” field 406 of the record 401 of the        Self-Replication table 400 corresponding to the user selection        of the “Existing PSRR members” list box 513. Then control is        given to step 631.    -   At step 622, the variable PSRSindex is set equal to the value of        the “Set Index” field 405 of the record 401 of the        Self-Replication table 400 corresponding to the user selection        of the “Existing PSRS” list box 512. Then control is given to        step 631.    -   At step 623, the method uses conventional means to let the user        select a range within the spreadsheet. Such means may, for        instance, rely on a pop-up window within which the user enters        through the keyboard 104 the address of the range to select, or        such means may rely on a pointing device 105 mode where the user        clicks on the range to select, or such means may rely on other        similar ways not further described here. Then control is given        to step 628.    -   At step 624, a new record 401 is added to the Self-Replication        table 400. The “PSRS Name” field 402 is set equal to the value        of the “PSRS Name” field 402 of the record 401 whose “Set Index”        field 405 is equal to PSRSIndex, the “PSRR Address” field 403 is        set equal to the variable NewRange, the “PSRR pattern” field 404        is set equal to the value of the background pattern of the range        with address NewRange, the “Set Index” field 405 is set equal to        PSRSindex, the “Range Index” field 406 is set equal to the        number of PSRR incremented by one. Then control is given to step        629.    -   At step 625, the background pattern of the range with address        equal to the value of the “PSRR Address” field 403 of the record        401 whose “Set Index” field 405 is equal to PSRSIndex and whose        “Range Index” field 406 is equal to PSRRIndex is set equal to        the value of the “PSRR pattern” field 404 of the record 401        whose “Set Index” field 405 is equal to PSRSIndex and whose        “Range Index” field 406 is equal to PSRRIndex. Then control is        given to step 630. The Persistent_Self_Replicate method is no        longer set as the routine handling the cell content modification        event for the range of cells with address equal to the value of        the “PSRR Address” field 403 of the record 401 whose “Set Index”        field 405 is equal to PSRSIndex and whose “Range Index” field        406 is equal to PSRRIndex.    -   At step 626, all the records 401 of the Self-Replication table        400 are deleted if their “Set Index” field 405 is equal to        PSRSIndex. Then the variable PSRSIndex is decremented, unless        equal to zero. Then control is given to step 631.    -   At step 627, a new record 401 is added to the Self-Replication        table 400. The “PSRS Name” field 402 is set equal to the        variable NewName, the “PSRR Address” field 403 is left empty,        the “PSRR pattern” field 404 is left empty, the “Set Index”        field 405 is set equal to the number of PSRS incremented by one,        and the “Range Index” field 406 is left empty. Then control is        given to step 631.    -   At step 628, the variable NewRange is set equal to the address        of the range retrieved at step 623. Then control is given to        step 631.    -   At step 629, the background pattern of the range of cells with        address equal to NewRange takes the value PATTERN_PSRR. The        Persistent_Self_Replicate method is set as the routine handling        the cell content modification event for the range of cells with        address equal to NewRange. Then control is given to step 631.    -   At step 630, the record 401 in the Self-Replication table 400        with “Set Index” field 405 equal to PSRSindex and with “Range        Index” field 406 equal to PSRRindex, is deleted. Then the        variable PSRRIndex is decremented, unless equal to zero.    -   At step 631, the Self-Replication Table 400 is first rearranged        and then sorted so that the set of values taken by the “Set        Index” fields 405 is contiguous and so that the sets of values        taken by the “Range Index” field 406 for a given value of the        “Set Index” field 405 are contiguous. Then the Self-replication        Dialog Box 510 display fields are refreshed. The “Name” text box        511 is filled with the variable NewName. The “Existing PSRS”        list box 512 is filled with the names found in the “PSRS Name”        fields 402 of the various records 401 of the Self-Replicating        Table 400. Within the “Existing PSRS” list box 512, the active        item corresponds to the record 401 whose “Set Index” field 405        is equal to PSRSIndex. The “Existing PSRR members” list box 513        is filled with the addresses found in the “PSRR Address” fields        403 of the various records 401 of the Self-Replicating Table 400        for which the “Set Index” field 405 is equal to PSRSIndex.        Within the “Existing PSRR members” list box 513, the active item        corresponds to the record 401 whose “Range Index” field 406 is        equal to PSRRIndex. The “Range” text box 514 is filled with the        variable NewRange. Then control is given back to step 605 for        waiting for a new user action to treat.

F.2. Persistent_Self_Replicate Method

The method for automatically reflecting an update of the content of aPSRR onto the other PSRR belonging to the same PSRS to take advantage ofthe present invention is summarized in flowchart 700 of FIG. 7. Thismethod may be thought of as the processing of the“Persistent_Self_Replicate” command which is invoked each time thecontent of a PSRR is changed, as outlined in the step 629 of theSelf_Replication_Manager method.

The method comprises the following steps:

-   -   At step 701, the method is in its default state, waiting for an        event to initiate the process.    -   At step 702, an event is detected, as a result of a PSRR content        update.    -   At step 703, the address of the updated PSRR, considered as a        parameter of the Persistent_Self_Replicate command, is retrieved        under the name CurrPSRR.    -   At step 704, a regular copy operation is performed on the PSRR        with address CurrPSRR.    -   At step 705, the top record 410 of the Self-Replication Table        400 is set as the current record 401 of the table.    -   At step 706, the “PSRR Address” field 403 of the current record        401 of the Self-Replication Table 400 is compared against        CurrPSRR. If found equal, then control is given to step 707;        otherwise control is given to step 713.    -   At step 707, the local variable CurrSetIndex is set equal to the        value of the “Set Index” field 405 of the current record 401 of        the Self-Replication Table 400.    -   At step 708, the top record 410 of the Self-Replication Table        400 is set as the current record 401 of the table.    -   At step 709, the “Set Index” field 405 of the current record 401        of the Self-Replication Table 400 is compared against        CurrSetIndex. If found equal, then control is given to step 710;        otherwise control is given to step 711.    -   At step 710, a regular paste operation is performed on the range        of cells pointed by the “PSRR Address” field 403 of the current        record 401 of the Self-Replication Table 400.    -   At step 711, a test is performed to check if the current record        401 of the Persistent Copy-Paste Table 400 is in fact the last        record of this table. If it is the last record, then control is        given to the initial step 701 for handling any new future        command; otherwise control is given to step 712.    -   At step 712, the next record of the Persistent Copy-Paste Table        400 is set as the new current record 401 of this table. Then        control is given to step 709.    -   At step 713, a test is performed to check if the current record        401 of the Self-Replication Table 400 is in fact the last record        of this table. If it is the last record, then control is given        to step 714; otherwise control is given to step 715.    -   At step 714, a “Should Not Occur” condition is logged as it is        normally impossible not to find in the Self-Replication table        400 a record 401 with a “PSRR Address” field 403 equal to the        parameter CurrPSRR of the command. Then control is given to step        701 for handing any new future command.    -   At step 715, the next record of the Self-Replication Table 400        is set as the new current record 401 of this table. Then control        is given to step 706.

ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that variouschanges in form and detail may be made therein without departing fromthe spirit, and scope of the invention.

The Persistently Self-Replication method and system according to thepresent invention may be used advantageously in those environments whereelements of information are organized as multidimensional tables havingmore than three dimensions.

1. A system for persistently self-replicating multiple ranges of cellsthrough a copy and paste operation, in a multi dimensional spreadsheetcomprising a plurality of cells identified by a cell address along eachdimension, a range of cells comprising one or a plurality of cells, themethod comprising the steps of: defining a set of ranges of cells, eachrange of cells having the same size; each time the content of a range ofcells belonging to said set is changed, automatically performing aself-replication operation, said self-replication operation comprisingthe steps of: copying the changed range of cells onto a buffer;determining the set of ranges of cells to which the changed range ofcells belongs to; identifying the ranges of cells belonging to said set;and pasting the content of the buffer in each of identified range ofcells belonging to said set.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the stepof defining a set of ranges of cells further comprises the steps of:adding a new range of cells to said set of ranges of cells, wherein saidstep of adding further comprises the steps of: selecting a new range ofcells; and creating a link between the new range of cells with at leastone range of cells belonging to said set of ranges of cells.
 3. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein the step of defining a set ofranges of cells further comprises the step of: performing a persistentcopy operation on a first range of cells, wherein said persistent copyoperation comprises the steps of: selecting a first range of cells;copying onto a buffer the selected first range of cells; performing apersistent paste operation, wherein said persistent paste operationcomprises the steps of: Selecting at least one other range of cells; andfor each other selected range of cells: copying the content of saidbuffer onto each other selected range of cells; and creating a linkbetween each other range of cells and the first range of cells.
 4. Thesystem according to claim 3, wherein the step of performing a persistentcopy operation further comprises the step of: invoking a persistent copycommand; and wherein the step of performing a persistent paste operationfurther comprises the step of: invoking a persistent past command. 5.The system according to claim 1, wherein the step of defining a set ofranges of cells further comprises the steps of: storing in a table aname for identifying said set of ranges of cells; storing in said tablemeans, preferably a name or an address, for identifying each range ofcells belonging to said set; and creating a link in said table betweenthe name of the set and said means for identifying each range of cellsbelonging to said set.
 6. The system according to claim 1, wherein thestep of defining a set of ranges of cells further comprises the step of:associating the ranges of cells belonging to said defined set with setdependent display attributes.
 7. The system according to claim 5,wherein the step of associating the ranges of cells belonging to saiddefined set, further comprises the steps of: associating a firstvariable with said set of ranges of cells; setting said first variableto a set dependent value; and displaying the ranges of cells of said setwith display attributes according to the value of said first variable.8. The system according to claim 4, wherein the step of storing in saidtable means for identifying each range of cells belonging to said set,further comprises the steps of: for each range of cells belonging tosaid set: determining current attributes of said range of cells; storingin said table said current attributes; and associating in said table therange of cells with the current attributes.
 9. The system according toclaim 7, wherein the step of storing in said table said currentattributes, comprises the further step of: associating a second variablewith each range of cells; and setting said second variable to a valueassociated with said current attributes.
 10. The system according toclaim 7, further comprising the step of removing a range of cells fromthe set of ranges of cells, wherein the step of removing furthercomprises the step of: retrieving the current attributes associated withsaid range of cells; and displaying said range of cells with saidcurrent display attributes.
 11. In a system for persistentlyself-replicating multiple ranges of cells through a copy and pasteoperation in a multi dimensional spreadsheet comprising at least onepage having a plurality of cells with content and identified by a celladdress along each dimension, with the address of the top leftmost cellof said at least one page labelled A1, at least two self-replicatingranges (PSRR) of cells, each range containing at least one cell; atleast two of said ranges comprising a self-replicating set (PSRS) andhaving different addresses relative to the top leftmost cell A1 of therespective page on which each of said ranges is located; wherein eachtime the content of a range of cells belonging to said set is updated, aself-replication operation is automatically performed, saidself-replication operation comprising the steps of: (1) automaticallycopying the changed range of cells onto a buffer; (2) automaticallydefining the set of ranges of cells to which the changed range of cellsbelongs; (3) automatically identifying the ranges of cells belonging tosaid set; (4) establishing a self replication table containing a PSRRaddress, a PSRR pattern, a PSRS name, a set and range indices, andhaving a top record; (5) setting the top record of the self replicationtable as the current record; and (6) comparing the current record of theself replication table with the address of the range of cells that isupdated; the step of automatically updating all other PSRRs within apersistent self replicating set (PSRS) by: a) detecting a PSRR contentupdate; b) retrieving the address of the updated PSRR; and c) pastingthe updated range of cells into the range of cells pointed by the PSRRaddress field of the current record of the self replication table. 12.The system according to claim 13 further including the steps of adding anew range of cells to said set of ranges of cells, wherein said step ofadding comprises selecting a new range of cells; and creating a linkbetween the new range of cells with at least one range of cellsbelonging to said set of ranges of cells.
 13. The system according toclaim 13, wherein the step of defining a set of ranges of cells furthercomprises the step of: performing a persistent copy operation on a firstrange of cells, wherein said persistent copy operation comprises thesteps of: selecting a first range of cells; copying the selected firstrange of cells onto a buffer; performing a persistent paste operation,wherein said persistent paste operation comprises the steps of:selecting at least one other range of cells; and for each other selectedrange of cells, copying the content of said buffer onto each other'sothers' selected range of cells; and creating a link between each otherrange of cells and the first range of cells.
 14. The system according toclaim 13, wherein the step of performing a persistent copy operationfurther comprises the step of invoking a persistent copy command; andwherein the step of performing a persistent paste operation furthercomprises the step of invoking a persistent paste command.
 15. Thesystem according to claim 13, wherein the step of defining a set ofranges of cells further comprises the steps of: storing in a table aname for identifying said set of ranges of cells; storing in said table,means for identifying each range of cells belonging to said set; andcreating a link in said table between the name of the set and said meansfor identifying each range of cells belonging to said set.
 16. Thesystem according to claim 15 wherein the step of defining a set ofranges of cells further comprises the step of associating the ranges ofcells belonging to said defined set with set dependent displayattributes.
 17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the step ofassociating the ranges of cells belonging to said defined set, furthercomprises the steps of: associating a first variable with said set ofranges of cells; setting said first variable to a set dependent value;and displaying the ranges of cells of said set with current attributesaccording to the value of said first variable.
 18. The system accordingto claim 17, wherein the step of storing an identifying name in saidtable includes means for identifying each range of cells belonging tosaid set, and further comprises includes, for each range of cellsbelonging to said set, the steps of: determining current attributes ofsaid range of cells; storing in said table said current attributes; andassociating in said table the range of cells with the currentattributes.
 19. The system according to claim 17, wherein the step ofstoring in said table said current attributes, comprises the furthersteps of: associating a second variable with each range of cells; andsetting said second variable to a value associated with said currentattributes.
 20. The system according to claim 17, further comprising astep of removing a range of cells from the set of ranges of cells,wherein the step of removing said range of cells further comprises thesteps of: retrieving the current attributes associated with said rangeof cells; and displaying said range of cells with said current displayattributes.
 21. A system of implementing a software product for aclient, the software product capable of persistently self-replicatingmultiple ranges of cells through a copy and paste operation, in a multidimensional spreadsheet comprising at least one page having a pluralityof cells with content and identified by a cell address along eachdimension, with the address of a top leftmost cell of each page labelledA1, a range of cells comprising one or a plurality of cells, comprising:providing first instruction code for defining a set of ranges of cells,each range of cells having the same size, and at least two of saidranges having different addresses relative to the top leftmost cell A1of the respective page on which each of said ranges are located; andproviding second instruction code for detecting each time the content ofa range of cells belonging to said set is changed, and automaticallyperforming a self-replication operation, said self-replication operationcomprising the steps of: automatically copying the changed range ofcells onto a buffer; automatically determining the set of ranges ofcells to which the changed range of cells belongs; automaticallyidentifying the ranges of cells belonging to said set; and automaticallyinserting the content of the buffer in each of identified range of cellsbelonging to said set by: a) detecting a PSRR content update; b)retrieving the address of the updated PSRR; and c) pasting the updatedrange of cells into the range of cells pointed by the PSRR address fieldof the current record of the self replication table; and utilizing acommon repository to record data required to create, delete or rename aPSRS, to add a PSRR to a PSRS, or to suppress a PSRR from a PSRS, therecorded data including five fields comprising a PSRS name, a PSRRaddress, a PSRR pattern, a set index and a range index.